Stephen Colbert to Succeed David Letterman As Host Of ‘Late Show’

(CBS) – Stephen Colbert will succeed David Letterman as the host of ‘The Late Show”.

Colbert is the host, writer and executive producer of the Emmy and Peabody Award-winning “The Colbert Report,”

Letterman announced he will retire in 2015. President and CEO of CBS Entertainment announced a five-year agreement between CBS and Colbert Thursday.

Stephen Colbert (Photo Courtesy: CBS)

Letterman, the legendary, critically acclaimed host of the CBS late night series for 21 years, announced his retirement on his April 3 broadcast. Colbert’s premiere date as host of ‘The Late Show” will be announced after Mr. Lettermen determines a timetable for his final broadcasts in 2015.

Colbert says,“I never dreamed that I would follow in his footsteps, though everyone in late night follows Dave’s lead.”

Adding, “I’m thrilled and grateful that CBS chose me. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have to go grind a gap in my front teeth.”

Letterman congratulated Colbert on getting the job.

“Stephen has always been a real friend to me,” said Letterman. “I’m very excited for him, and I’m flattered that CBS chose him. I also happen to know they wanted another guy with glasses.”

Red

I enjoy the Colbert Report. He makes the right wing nuts look like the imbeciles that they are simply by holding up the mirror with just a tad of exageration added. But I don’t want to see him on CBS. He probably can’t continue to do his current “act” or continue this persona he has created. That will change everything. If he does try to continue it, he will find CBS to be a stifeling environment compared to the flexibility he had with Comedy Central.